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Book Report on the Greenhouse Effect

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Greenhouse gases are a part of Earths atmosphere which is responsible for keeping the
Earth adequately warm to support life. The strength of the greenhouse effect is mainly
determined by greenhouse gases and their concentrations in the Earths atmosphere (Bates, 1990,
pp. 22). They keep the Earth warm by trapping heat that is being lost from the Earth. While the
Sun shines during the day which results to warming of the Earth, the greenhouse gas trap the
suns heat and absorbs harmful radiations thus protecting the earth.
Human activities which are mainly for energy creation and agricultural purposes like
burning fossil fuels to produce energy, Agriculture and deforestation have greatly lead to the
increase of the amount of greenhouse gases that are present in our atmosphere (Bates, 1990,
pp.38). This activities result into the creation of extra amounts of greenhouse gases that were not
naturally present in our atmosphere. These gases usually include:
Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Carbon dioxide is found naturally in nature and it represents three quarters of the
warming impact of the greenhouse gas emissions that are produced by human activities. Carbon
dioxide that results from human activities with its main contributors being from burning fossil
fuels like oil, coal and natural gas or through deforestation which affect the balance of the
greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Natural Carbon dioxide is produced from the natural carbon
cycle. In this cycle, Human beings and animals release carbon dioxide naturally into the
atmosphere and plants absorb it from the atmosphere in the process called photosynthesis (Bates,
1990, pp.52). The plants benefit from the carbon dioxide by using it to manufacture food.
However, the increase of carbon dioxide beyond the natural sustainable level in the atmosphere
can be harmful.

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Nitrous Oxide (N2O)

Nitrous Oxide represents eight percent of the greenhouse gases and is a naturally
occurring gas in the environment that is produced by organic matter in the soil, leguminous
plants and manure. Human activities especially agricultural activities that include the use of
chemicals (Nitrogen fertilizer) to carry out weeding or improve the soil nitrogen content and
industrial processes have increased its levels in the Earths atmosphere.
Methane (CH4)
Methane represents over fourteen percent of the greenhouse emissions. It is produced
also by agricultural activities which are mainly carried out in livestock like spraying and in
paddy fields (Bates, 1990, pp.61). The extraction of fossil fuels and organic matter and waste
decay also result into production of methane. When vegetation decomposes in environments that
are free of oxygen like in a fire and in digestion by animals, methane is naturally produced.
Fluorinated Gases (F-gases)
These mainly account for one percent of the impact of warming as a result of the human
emissions. Its main sources are from Industries which produce them during various processes.
Others which are also present but are not amongst the major greenhouse gases and in small
percentages

include:

water

vapor,

chlorofluorocarbons

(CFCs),

hydrofluorocarbons,

perfluorocarbons and Sulphur hexafluoride. Most of them are as a result of industrial processes
which result into their emissions (Bates, 1990, pp.72).

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All over the world, scientists have agreed that the greenhouse gases that are as a result of
human activities are the main causes of global warming and climate change in the world. This
puts much focus on how to reduce these greenhouse gases in everyday life. There are natural
solutions towards reducing their emissions which is through photosynthesis.
Plants are known to carry out photosynthesis which is basically a process by which they
make food by absorbing carbon dioxide from the environment, sunlight and water (Bates, 1990,
pp.94). This implies that Afforestation and Re-Afforestation can be natural ways of reducing
these emissions as we seek to gain more vegetation cover.
Other Ways that can be used to reduce these emissions by human beings include:
Use of Alternative Sources of Energy
Most electricity in many large nations is usually derived from burning of natural gas and
coal. Both are known to emit greenhouse gases and other harmful pollutants. The use of energy
from renewable sources should be emphasized like using green energy. These include solar
energy, hydropower and wind energy. Apart from adopting these renewable energy sources, there
should be reduced using too by practicing simple tasks like switching off electrical appliances
when they are not in use in our homes and work places (Bates, 1990, pp.132). Purchasing energy
efficient appliances like light bulbs and other households should be also emphasized to ensure
that we use energy sustainably.
Reducing the use of fuel in transportation
Transportation accounts for a large percentage of the greenhouse gas emissions. To
reduce this impact, campaigns should be made for people to drive less and encourage the

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production of efficient vehicles that use alternative renewable energy for transportation like solar
and electric cars. For short distances, people should avoid using vehicles and just walk. Keeping
vehicle tires inflated to the required level and avoiding overloading also reduce these greenhouse
gas emissions as there is less acceleration.
Recycling, Reusing and Reducing
This is the simplest way to reduce the greenhouse gases emissions. It involves a change
of lifestyle. This involves avoiding products that have plastic packaging, reusing and recycling
whatever and whenever we can. We should also reduce wastage to also make our trips to and
from shopping centers few and save costs. This should be a personal initiative that everyone
should incorporate in their daily lives for it to be a success and become a national and global
initiative.
Change of Eating Habit
Changing our eating habits can be a major step towards reducing greenhouse gas
emissions. Dairy products and seafood usually require more land to produce than fruit and
vegetable crops. Their production also involves the use of commercial fertilizers which are
manufactured using fossil fuels. During cultivation to planting, harvesting and the processing of
these products in large tracts of land, diesel run farm machinery are used which further increases
emissions. Changing our eating habits to include more fruits and vegetables and in a frequent
way increases our calories and has a positive impact on the environment (Bates, 1990, pp.158).
Generally, human beings are the cause of the greenhouse gas emissions and human
beings are the only solution towards ensuring that these emissions are reduced. Failure to timely
reduce these emissions has already started being experienced in different places in the world

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through global warming and abnormal climate patterns which are disastrous to us. Countries
should take this issue seriously and make legislations that will be aimed towards reducing the
emissions in our industries.

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Source
Bates A.K. (1990). Climate in Crisis: The Greenhouse Effect and What We Can Do, Book
publishing company.